Bachelor of Architecture or B Arch is considered one of the top courses pursued by science students. It is a 5 years professional program suitable for students who aspire to become an architect. The minimum eligibility to pursue B Arch courses is that students should clear their class 12th board exams with PCM combination from a recognised board.
There are more than 800 colleges in India offering B.Arch courses. With more than 90,000 architects across the country, this course is considered as an interdisciplinary course of design, technology, humanities, and other streams. Some of the top B Arch colleges in India are IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, Jamia Millia Islamia, NIT Calicut etc.
The entire course curriculum for B Arch includes subjects like Architecture Design, Types of Structures, Building Construction, Architectural Appreciation etc. The sections below will discuss the syllabus for B Arch courses for the entire 5 years duration.
B.Arch Syllabus
The course curriculum is made in such a way that B.Arch syllabus can be divided into two stages: Stage1 and Stage 2 in the course of 5 years consisting of 10 semesters.
This is mainly followed in the School of Planning and Architecture, which is considered on of the esteemed architectural schools in India.
Check best B.Arch colleges to know more.
Stage I will include Year 1,2 and 3, and Stage II includes Year 4 and 5.
- Stage I: It includes semester 1 to 6 where foundation and exploration subjects and topics are included which helps students to develop knowledge to clear architectural filaments.
- Stage II: In this, one semester is completely dedicated to practical training and rest is for in-depth synthesis and ideation studies. In this stage, students are allowed to select electives based on their interests, followed by research training and studio subjects.
A choice based learning is incorporated throughout the course so that students can develop the innate skills of reflection, evaluation,re-iteration, and research, required for a strong architectural background.
Semester Wise Syllabus
Tabulated below is the Semester wise B.Arch syllabus.
| SEMESTER I | SEMESTER II |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design I | Architectural Design II |
| Visual Arts and Basic Design I | Visual Arts and Basic Design II |
| Computer Applications I | Computer Applications II |
| Building Construction I | Building Construction II |
| Theory of Structures I | Theory of Structures II |
| Environmental Studies | Climate-responsive Design |
| Model making and Workshop | Surveying and Leveling |
| Human Settl. & Vernacular Arch. | History of Architecture I |
| Professional Communications I | Sociology and Culture |
| - | Professional Communications II |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design III | Architectural Design IV |
| Visual Arts and Basic Design III | Visual Arts and Basic Design IV |
| Computer Applications III | Computer Applications IV |
| Building and Construction III | Building and Construction IV |
| Theory of Structures III | Theory of Structures IV |
| Water, Waste, and Sanitation | Electrification, Lighting & Acoustics |
| Site Planning and Landscape Studies | Solar Active and Passive Systems |
| History of Architecture II | History of Architecture III |
| Art and Architectural Appreciation I | Art and Architectural Appreciation II |
| Research Elective I | Research Elective II |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design V | Architectural Design VI |
| Building Construction V | Building Construction VI |
| Theory of Structures V | Theory of Structure & Design II |
| HVAC. Mech. Mobility & Fire Safety | Green Systems Integration |
| Energy System & Renewables | Sustainable Urban Habitats |
| History of Architecture IV | Specifications & Contracts |
| Design Methodology II | Contemporary Architecture |
| Art and Architectural Appreciation III | Architectural Theories |
| Arch. Research- Elective III | Art & Architectural Appreciation IV |
| Arch. Research- Elective IV | - |
| Semester VII | Semester VIII |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design VII | Practical Training |
| Working Drawings | - |
| Project Management | - |
| Architectural Appreciation IV | - |
| Arch. Research Seminar | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective V | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective VI | - |
| Semester IX | Semester X |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design IX | Architectural Design Thesis |
| Professional Practice | Thesis Design Research |
| Urban Design Studies | Professional Practice |
| Arch. Research Dissertation/ Art Thesis | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective VII | - |
| Arch. Research- Elective VIII | - |
B.Arch Elective Subjects
B.Arch syllabus is formulated on the choice-based system where students get to choose a certain number of elective subjects based on their interests.
Electives subjects are mainly from 6 different streams which we have discussed below:
| Elective Subjects | |
|---|---|
| Stream | Subject List |
| Humanities | Art Appreciation, Behavioral Studies, Gender and Architecture, Arch. Photography, Journalism, etc. |
| Technology | Facade Engineering, Tall Buildings, Modular Coordination, Earthquake-resistant Building, Construction Mechanization, etc. |
| Environment | Environmental Impact Assessment, Solar Design, Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Simulations, Climate Change and Cities, etc. |
| Design | Urban Planning, Hospital Design, Campus Planning, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Exhibition Design, Theatre and Set Design etc |
| Emerging Concerns | Parametric Design, Biomimicry in Design, Smart Buildings, Urban Resilience, Disaster Risk Management, etc. |
| Professional Practice Management | Information Systems, GIS Applications, Architectural Entrepreneurship, Design Outreach as Social Responsibility, etc. |
B.Arch Core Subjects
Common BArch subjects are Architectural Design, Visual Arts and Design, Building Construction, Theory of Structures. These are taught throughout the course for building a firm foundation towards different study aspects of architectural study.
| Subject | Content |
|---|---|
| Visual Arts and Design | This subject is more focussed on the design and visual aspect of the architectural study and includes everything from 2D structure drawing to the latest advancements in the design stream and its combination with the architecture firm. |
| Building Construction | This subject includes topics all related to building construction. This is one of the most important subjects required for technicality and knowledge. |
| Theory of Structures | This subject is the study of different theories required for the making of different structures and designs. This is a theory subject that has direct applicability to the practical aspect of architecture. |
| Types of Structures | This covers the fundamental concepts of determining the structural stability, analysis of statistically determinate beams and frames, trusses and aeches etc. |
| Building Science & Services | The subject majorly focusses on the entirerity of the building construction process and thevarious technologies that works behind it. |
| Architectural Design | The subject extensively focusses on the various designs that can be created and has been created in the past as a reference guide for the students |
| Design Applications | The applications that are majorly used for creating designs starting from softwares to various hardcore instruments along with the process of utilising them, are taught under design applications subject |
| History of Architecture | This subject teaches the history of designs and how designs were made during ancient period |
B.Arch Entrance Exam Syllabus
The syllabus of B.Arch entrance exam is completely different from B.Arch course syllabus. Entrance exams generally consist of General Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and basics of Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
Check the list of different exams and their syllabus below:
NATA 2023 Exam Syllabus
COA specifies that National Architecture Aptitude Test is an entrance test that measures a candidate’s skills in Architecture through the following techniques.
Check: NATA Exam Syllabus
Techniques through which Candidates Ability will be tested:
| Syllabus Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Diagrammatic Reasoning | Logical Reasoning ability of candidates will be tested using diagrams and scenarios |
| Numerical Reasoning | Mathematical Ability of candidates through fundamental simple problems will be assessed |
| Verbal Reasoning | Verbal Logical skills of candidates will be tested |
| Inductive Reasoning | Candidates ability to analyze data and see patterns will be tested in the section of Inductive Reasoning |
| Situational Judgment | Problem Solving Ability of candidates will be assessed |
| Logical Reasoning | Candidates ability to understand patterns and recognise relationships between shapes and imagery will be assessed |
| Abstract Reasoning | Candidates general knowledge will be tested in this section |
JEE Main 2023 B.Arch Aptitude Syllabus
JEE Main 2023 Syllabus has been released along with the official brochure at jeemain.nta.nic.in along with the official notification. No changes have been made to JEE Main 2023 Syllabus. Last year, the syllabus had not been impacted with the 30% reduction in CBSE class XI and XII syllabus, instead internal choices were introduced in JEE Main Question Paper.
| JEE Main 2023 B.Arch Syllabus- Aptitude | |
|---|---|
| UNIT - 1 | Awareness of persons, Buildings, Materials, Objects, Texture related to Architecture and Build-environment |
| Visualising three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings | |
| Visualizing Different sides of three-dimensional objects | |
| Analytical Reasoning | |
| Mental Ability (Visual. Numerical and Verbal) | |
| UNIT – 2 | Three-dimensional- perception: Understanding and appreciation of scale and proportions of objects, building forms and elements, color texture harmony and contrast |
| Design and drawing of geometrical or abstract shapes and patterns in pencil | |
| Transformation of forms both 2D and 3D union, subtraction rotation, development of surfaces and volumes | |
| Generation of plans, elevations, and 3D views of objects | |
| Creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional compositions using given shapes and forms | |
Check B.Arch Entrance Exams for a full list of architectural entrance exams that you can take for B.Arch admission.
B.Arch Syllabus FAQs
Ques: Is Jee BArch easy?
Ans: The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main B. Arch article is quite moderate. The drawing and aptitude test is quite basic whereas the mathematics part is quite tricky.
Ques: What is the syllabus for BArch?
Ans: The core subjects in BArch includes Building Construction, Architectural Design, Design, Visual Arts, Computer Applications, and Theory of Structures
Ques: How can I prepare for BArch?
Ans: Maintaining a schedule and devoting two to three hours could help you score well for BArch. Generally it takes about three to six months for the students to prepare for this exam.
Ques: Is jee main paper 2 compulsory for BArch?
Ans: No, not at all, but JEE Main and JEE Advanced colleges i.e. IIT and NIT accept JEE school. The Building Council's National Building Skills Assessment (NATA) is required for adoption during the first year of BArch.
Ques: Which is better B Arch or B Tech?
Ans: Students with good design and thinking skills can pursue a bachelor's degree in architecture, while students interested in project development and construction can pursue a degree in civil engineering.
Ques: Is maths compulsory for B Arch?
Ans: Mathematics is required in order to pursue B Arch. Students must pass a Standard 12 test or its equivalent with a minimum of 50% in Math and English as subjects.
What are the subjects in first year B Arch?
Ans: Subjects included in the first year of B Arch are listed below
- Architectural Design II.
- Theory of Structures II.
- History of Architecture & Human Settlements II.
- Building Services I.
- Building Sciences II
- Building Technology & Materials II
- Architectural Drawing & Graphics II
- Basic Design II.
Ques: Is physics chemistry required for BArch?
Ans: According to latest guidelines released in 2022, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics will no longer play a major role in undergraduate B Arch admission
Ques: What can I do after BArch?
Ans: Job Prospects after B Arch are listed below:
- Urban planner
- Artist
- Restoration architect
- Town Planner
- Research architect
- Interior designer
- Building surveyor
- Landscape architect
Ques: What is Aptitude Test in B Arch?
Ans: Applititute Test is generally conducted by colleges to determine applicant’s analytifal, verbal, conceptual and logical ability. The aptitude test will analyze the candidate's ability to make verbal, abstract/conceptual and numerical reasoning.
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